We understand that the decision to bring a Chihuahua (or any other
breed) into your family is a big one.  With a life expectancy of 15+
years, Chihuahuas are a big commitment.  So, we definitely encourage
you to do as much research as possible on the breed before you decide
to purchase a Chihuahua puppy.  Our website is a good place to start,
but we've also provided several more sources below.  Also, try our
"Links" page for tons more links to sources of information about
Chihuahuas.  And remember, we're always here to answer questions for
you.  This page is a work in progress so check back often for updates.
History of the Chihuahua
Recommended Reading
Chihuahuas for Dummies
by Jacqueline O'Neil, published by Howell Book House, Hungry
Minds, Inc.
Click here to purchase this book.
Kennel Club Books, Breeder's Best,Chihuahua
by Ann Hearn, published by Kennel Club Books, LLC
Click here to purchase this book.
Chihuahuas
by Beverly Pisano, published by T.F. H. Publications Inc.
This book may be purchased at your local PetSmart store.
Chihuahuas, A Comprehensive Guide to Owning and
Caring for Your Dog
by Barbara J. Andrews, published by Kennel Club Books, LLC
Click here to purchase this book.
A New Owner's Guide to a Happy Healthy Pet, The
Chihuahua
by E. Ruth Terry, published by Howell Book House, Hungry Minds Inc.
Click here to purchase this book.
The Essential Chihuahua
consulting editor,Ian Dunbar Ph.D. MRCVS, published by Howell
Book House, Hungry Minds Inc.
Click here to purchase this book.
Links to Other Books You May Be Interested In
CKC Breed Standard


Height: 5-10 In.
Group: Southern
Weight: 1-7 Lbs.
Coat: Short & Smooth; Long & Soft  
Color: All Colors  

Description: : Head: Rounded, “apple-dome” skull, with a short muzzle. Eyes: Set wide apart, full
and dark in color. Ears: Large and erect. Neck: Slender and slightly arched. Chest: Deep, but not
barrel shaped. Ribs are well-sprung. Body: Back is level, straight and as short as possible. Legs:
Forelegs are straight, fine and set well under the body. Hind legs are positioned well under the
body, with bent hocks. Feet: Small, with soft pads and toes separated, but not spread. Tail:
Medium length, carried upward, low, or curled over back, but never tucked. Movement: Smooth
flowing gait, with graceful movements. Temperament: Alert, and a good family pet.
*The Chihuahua is the smallest dog in the world & comes in 2 varieties; the Long-coated & the
Short-coated. The breed is alert & an excellent house pet.  
About "Teacup" Chihuahuas
Myths about the Chihuahua
Did you know that Teacup chihuahuas are not a "special breed" as some breeders would have you believe?  Yes,
it is possible to breed two tiny chihuahuas and get tiny babies, but it is also possible to breed two tiny ones and
get "standard" size chihuahua puppies.  And it is also possible to breed two "standard" size chihuahuas and get
tiny babies.  The breeders who will tell you that they have nothing but "teacup" puppies are probably just trying
to ask more for their puppies...and if you've loved chihuahuas as long as I have, you have probably found that
some of these breeders are asking MUCH more for their puppies than the average breeder.    Chihuahuas are
not naturally supposed to be 2 and 3 pound adult dogs. In truth, average size chihuahuas are 5-7 pounds, but
they can grow to be 8-10 pounds or more.  And their Mexican ancestors are believed to have been between 10
and 15 pounds.It is very difficult to determine at birth, or even 6 or 8 weeks, just how large a puppy will get.
Some breeders do intentionally breed the tiny dogs, but again, it's all for the sake of the money.  The tiny
puppies are a novelty to most people and on average are not healthy dogs, despite the fact that  chihuahuas are
one of the healthiest breeds available.  In reality, there are only two breeds of chihuahuas, the long-haired and
the smooth coats...that's it, nothing more.  Not even the "special" or "rare" colors are special breeds.


Another of the popular myths is that AKC (American Kennel Club) registration of a puppy is better than CKC
(Continental Kennel Club), UKC (UniversalKennel Club) or any other kennel club registration.  The truth is
that all kennel clubs' purpose is to maintain the pedigree of various lines of canines, and to provide information
about the many breeds of dog out there.  Pedigrees are simply a list of ancestors of any given dog.  Most kennel
clubs set breed standards for each breed, but some clubs' standards have negative impacts on the overall health
or usefulness of the breed.  Other kennel club's standards for purebred dogs are not compromised just because
they are  newer kennel clubs, and usually their rates for registering your puppy, getting pedigrees and
registering litters are MUCH more reasonable than AKC.  The truth of the matter really is that some breeders
do charge more for their puppies JUST because they are ACK registered, but that simply isn't necessary.  You
can also register champion bloodlines through CKC just as well as through AKC.  And if you have an AKC
registered dog, you are able to dual register it with CKC as well. Either way you go, a kennel club's purpose is to
assist dog owners.  It is not a be-all, end-all authority on dogs.


The final myth I want to dispell is that chihuahuas are mean.  That couldn't be further from the truth.  I have
had chihuahuas all my life and I've never had a mean one.  In contrast, they are VERY loveable and friendly
dogs, if given the opportunity.  They are very "owner oriented" dogs, in that they do attach very strongly to
their owner, and they will protect their owner if the need arises.  But on average, chihuahuas are like most
other dogs, they don't have a mean bone in their small little bodies unless you train them to be that way.  They
can be fickle and some are a little bit nervous, but they are not, by any stretch of the imagination, mean dogs.  
In some instances, when a chihuahua has one owner it's whole life (for instance, if the owner is a single elderly
person) and rarely gets to be around other people, he may become more protective of his owner and may snap at
people that he considers to be intruders, but rarely will he actually bite the person.  Usually, he will growl, snap
and then run.     
Check the links below for much more information on chihuahuas.  And if you find that you have any more
questions, please feel free to e-mail  me.
History of the Chihuahua
History of the Chihuahua
History of the Chihuahua
General Canine Information
About the Chihuahua - Health, Temperament,
Suitability and More